European Pine Sawfly

Finally ... a name to the nasty bugs that afflict our 2 evergreens. We have them under control (dead) this year. Kathee powdered our evergreens first thing this year when she saw them. Until today, when I saw this article on WCCO, we did not know what they were.

University of Illinois - Bug Review: European Pine Sawfly

Excerpt:

Larvae hatch in early May from overwintering eggs that were laid in crescent shaped slits in the needles of conifers. Nearly all species of pine may be attacked, including Scots, Mugho, Red, Jack and Swiss Mountain. They begin to feed on old foliage and usually consume only the epidermis of the needles, leaving the core to dry and remain attached. The larvae are gregarious and feed in groups. For protection, they will rear their heads when disturbed. Larvae are found from early May to mid June and then drop to the ground to spin a small brown cocoon.

Comment: These things are really gross! Kathee kills 'em! (Fortunately they do not infect our two Colorado spruces!)